DEMOCRACY IN ACTION? 10 Weird Examples Of The Swiss Referendum System In Action

Switzerland is the only country in Europe that practices direct democracy: citizens get to vote on important changes to the constitution, rather than leaving it up to the politicians and government. What's more, citizens can even propose constitutional amendments themselves, which are then voted on by the rest of the country.

"People's Initiative for a Switzerland without an Army and a comprehensive peace policy"

AP/Keyston, Lukas Lehmann

Date: November 26, 1989

Outcome: Rejected

The initiative wanted Switzerland to be a country with no army (through a constitutional amendment), and make it law that neither the nation, nor cantons, municipalities, and private individuals could train or keep military forces.

"Popular Initiative to counter fighter jet noise in tourist areas"

"Popular Initiative for democratic naturalization"

AP/Andy Duback

Date: June 1, 2008

Outcome: Rejected

Had the referendum been successful, it would have given the right to decide on the naturalization of foreign citizens through an anonymous popular vote in local municipalities, rather than allowing the government to carry out due legal procedures, Spiegel Online reports.

"People's Initiative on popular sovereignty rather than official propaganda"

Date: June 1, 2008

Outcome: Rejected

The proposal sought to ban politicians and officials from engaging in 'propaganda' activities like media appearances, and participation in public information events, as well as supporting or financing information campaigns and material before referendums, Swiss Info reports.

"Popular Initiative against the construction of minarets"

AP/Keystone, Peter Klaunzer

Date: November 29, 2009

Outcome: Accepted

The referendum has led to a law that disallows the construction of new minarets (towers often seen on Islamic architecture), without retroactive effect on four existing Swiss minarets. This, despite the government urging citizens to vote against the ban, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports. After the vote, the government said it respected the people's decision.

"Popular Initiative to end the construction of invasive second homes"

The organizations that have floated the initiative — The Franz Weber Foundation and Helvetia Nostra — are worried about the negative effect on the land caused by the relentless construction and urbanization all over the country.

They say it is ruining Switzerland's natural beauty and consequently, her tourism industry's potential. But opponents say it would lead to job losses.

"Popular Initiative of 6 weeks holiday for all"

The proposal, introduced by Travail Suisse, aims to increase the vacation entitlement of Swiss employees from four weeks a year to six, saying it will allay work stress. But opponents say it would lead to higher labor costs.